Real estate agents know that it’s often difficult to find a home that ticks all their client’s boxes. Let’s face it – every year, a new wave of fads comes to replace the old ones. From European-inspired cabinetry to floor-to-ceiling windows, there’s always some craze that takes hold.
But there are still a handful of features that continue to attract buyers, some of which people deem absolute musts. Prepare yourself for 2020 by looking at this list of home design trends that can stand the test of time.
Laundry Rooms
No one wants to lug their clothes up and down steps, let alone take a trip to the laundromat. These days, it’s not even enough to have a washer and dryer hook-up. Around 72% of second-time homebuyers deem laundry rooms as one of the essential parts of a residence.
This is because these rooms separate clutter from the rest of the house. If you have one place to wash, dry, iron and fold your clothes, it helps to reduce mess overall. Many people also like laundry rooms for storage purposes. Instead of keeping some cleaning products in the kitchen and others in the bathroom or another area, you can move them to one central space.
Eco-Friendly Capabilities
Over the past few years, buyers have started to prioritize a more sustainable home. People want to see everything from energy-efficient lightbulbs to reclaimed hardwood floors. An eco-friendly home is one that benefits the environment and, at the same time, saves money for the owner.
Green features may cost more up-front, but they pay for themselves in the long run. This isn’t a trend, either — as climate change becomes more of a concern, people everywhere want to do more for the planet. To sum it up, houses with eco-friendly capabilities are on the rise.
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Outdoor Spaces
It’s no surprise that buyers want more room to hang out outside. Decks and patios have become vital components in homes around the world. In some cases, people want an indoor-outdoor option, where they can push back a glass door and move seamlessly between the two.
Many want to get out of the house but not actually have to leave it – think a relaxed summer dinner on the back porch. This is especially true for busy families and individuals who desire a peaceful moment or two in their backyard. A bonus is that outdoor space gives sellers a big curb appeal boost.
Kitchen Islands
Tried and true, islands are still the centerpiece of many open-concept kitchens. This is for a good reason, too. Islands provide that extra countertop and cabinet space that many homeowners desire. Many choose to install sinks or dishwashers in theirs, which allows for more of a distinction between areas.
Similarly, they’re great as a buffet for party drinks and appetizers. Islands also work as tables when you add a few barstool seats. You can even jazz them up with colorful paint and hardware to add some dimension to your kitchen. All of this to say that buyers see islands as a huge bonus, so they’re here to stay.
Neutral Colors
These days, bold colors are often best left as intriguing accents. Neutrals, such as whites, grays and wood tones, are king. This is because they go with nearly every piece of furniture and decor. Cabinets and counters in these shades are all the rage as of late for this same reason.
When you get tired of the space, a simple change of hardware or the addition of a new rug can spice things up. You don’t have to rely on the colors of the walls, which saves money in the long run.
As seasons change, neutral colors help homeowners adjust their style accordingly. Whether buyers have a more minimalist or extravagant décor approach, they can all build around neutrals.
Home Offices
As of 2016, nearly half of all Americans work remotely at least some of the time. This puts dedicated home office spaces at the top of most buyers’ lists, especially Millennial workers.
It’s incredibly beneficial to separate work from other areas of your life, which is why an allocated workspace is so important. If you can talk on the phone, send emails and finish projects in one area, and then shut the door when the day is done, you’ll be more productive. Thus, many buyers continue to seek out home offices.
Functionality in Design Always Sells
Buyers want houses that work for them. Highlights like walk-in closets and waterfall showerheads are deluxe bonuses, not features that people need in their everyday lives.
If a home makes it easier for an owner to do laundry, feed guests or conduct work, it’s desirable and more valuable in the long run. Many trends come and go, but these aspects are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
About the Author: Holly Welles is a real estate writer and the editor of The Estate Update. Her work focuses on renting and homeownership trends that help readers make the most of any space.
